5 issues Congress is avoiding — and states are taking on

In this photograph taken late on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, the gold dome of the Colorado State Capitol is bathed by lights. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter kicked off a campaign on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, to raise $12 million to fix the Capitol's gold dome by signing legislation to create a combined public and private financing and fundraising campaign over the next two years. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

5 issues Congress is avoiding — and states are taking on

When Congress won't touch an issue, states fill the void.On a number of hot-button topics, state legislatures are debating and even passing bills that could never get passed — or sometimes even discussed — in the nation's capital.Here's a look at five issues playing out in the states.The death penaltyDeath penalty opponents hold a sign outside the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City on May 1, 2012, to protest the execution of Michael Bascum Selsor. (AP)What states are doing: States are …